By now, we know that through works, i.e. following Torah, we cannot receive salvation. Why? Because we sin, breaking Torah. This is what Sha’ul (Paul) emphasizes throughout Galatians and Romans. I believe as we have gone through the book of Galatians and now the book of Romans that this is clear. I also believe thus far no where does Sha’ul ever say the Torah is not for today though. Remember Sha’ul is a Torah observant Jew based on his own testimony (see Who Is Paul). Yet, many believe these next few verses in Romans 3 shows that Paul teaches we are not to follow Torah…let’s take a look:
But now apart from the Torah the righteousness of G-d has been manifested, being witnessed by the Torah and the Prophets, even the righteousness of G-d through faith in Yeshua Mashiach for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of G-d, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Mashiach Yeshua; whom G-d displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. Romans 3:21-24
Apart from the Torah the righteousness of G-d has been manifested. This does not say we should live apart from the Torah. No. Our righteousness (note there are two types of righteousness described in Scripture) is apart from the Torah. Our righteousness is through Yeshua. IF we could obey the Torah perfectly then we could pursue this righteousness, but since we don’t live it out perfectly we must obtain righteousness apart from the Torah. Paul makes it clear that this has ALWAYS been the path since the Torah and the Prophets bear witness to it. This is we are told way back in Breishit (Genesis) 3 that we would have a savior. Paul is saying righteous apart from following the Torah and the Prophets would need to present itself. We are told Avraham saw the day of Yeshua. His faith provided salvation for him, not his obedience to the commandments described in Breishit 26.
Sha’ul continues on by saying this is for all people for all have fell short of the glory of G-d. Whether you are born a Jew or come into the covenant through Yeshua the only way to G-d is through faith. This is why Yeshua said in Yochanan 14:6 the only way to the father is through me. While this verse has much deeper meaning, the plain reading of the text tells us we must accept Yeshua to spend eternity with our G-d.
Baruch HaShem! I hope you these verses are a little clearer as to what Sha’ul is saying. If you have any questions or comments please let me know.
Until next time…kadosh, kadosh, kadosh is HaShem!
Yochanan's Thoughts 